- Newcastle United and Arsenal learn Froholdt price tag
- Porto midfielder a perfect fit for Eddie Howe system
- A deal dependent on Sandro tonali departure
Newcastle United and Arsenal have been told that Porto star Victor Froholdt could cost as much as £52m this summer. Both Premier League clubs are interested in the midfielder, who looks set to be at the centre of a transfer saga.
Froholdt has turned heads across Europe this season with his excellent performances. The midfielder has been a key part of Porto’s impressive title-winning campaign in Portugal.
Newcastle are preparing for the potential loss of Sandro Tonali, with Froholdt identified as a target should the Italian’s departure come to fruition.
Newcastle United face Arsenal competition in Froholdt pursuit
While Arsenal can offer the prospect of Champions League football and an immediate move to an elite-level club, it has been suggested that Newcastle could emerge as the frontrunner.
Froholdt is still only 20 years old and may favour the prospect of regular first-team minutes as he considers his next move.
Granted, a role in the starting XI would likely depend on Tonali’s potential departure. Even then, there would still be competition from the likes of Lewis Miley.
However, Newcastle could offer the Dane the chance to develop away from the intense spotlight, within a project aiming to disrupt the established elite in the coming years.
Froholdt an “Eddie Howe-type player”
Froholdt has all the attributes to suggest he would fit perfectly into an Eddie Howe system.
Speaking about the midfielder, former Denmark international Mikkel Beckmann said: “He arrived at the national team camp on fire. He runs like a Duracell bunny, does nothing wrong… and scores incredible goals. The pressure he puts on opponents is on a completely different level. It’s obvious he’s in a great moment.”
The Danish national team coach has also been openly complimentary about Froholdt, speaking on multiple occasions about his versatility.
Given Howe’s preference for athletic, high-work-rate players, Froholdt appears to be a strong tactical fit. The Dane also possesses a strong technical base and the ability to contribute goals regularly.
Sandro Tonali departure uncertainty
Froholdt’s signing is likely to depend on the future of Sandro Tonali.
Interestingly, Tonali has been linked with Arsenal this season. Should Arsenal move for the Italian, Newcastle could step up their pursuit of Froholdt, with the Gunners potentially no longer needing a midfielder.
Tonali’s departure looked increasingly likely a few months ago, and while speculation remains, Eddie Howe’s decision to hand him the captain’s armband has added uncertainty.
Newcastle could see changes to key personnel this summer, with Tonali’s future still unresolved. Anthony Gordon is also currently in the spotlight amid growing speculation over his long-term future on Tyneside.
In other news, ‘No Point’: Eddie Howe cagey over Anthony Gordon as Newcastle United and Bayern Munich open talks.
